tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post5007633042024023812..comments2013-09-06T03:10:46.942-07:00Comments on Through My Lens: Me and My (Lens)Baby—MaybeAnita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-14926347764140935072011-12-01T17:58:01.004-08:002011-12-01T17:58:01.004-08:00Mark—I am fairly certain that had I gotten in ear...Mark—I am fairly certain that had I gotten in earlier I would have become completely discouraged. For example, it is a tremendous advantage to be able to change aperture in a split second. No tools, no fumbles with rings. <br /><br />I know that I am not a fast study and I suspect that this is not an easy lens for most people to feel completely at home with. It is a strange combo—me and this Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-82348843270481635582011-12-01T17:18:06.887-08:002011-12-01T17:18:06.887-08:00I have had several versions of the Lensbaby and th...I have had several versions of the Lensbaby and think you bought in at the right moment in the evolution. I still have a hard time figuring out which subjects work best with it. I think it takes more practice than I have put into it.Markhttp://www.grafphoto.com/wordpressnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-23614886424611058472011-12-01T16:32:31.538-08:002011-12-01T16:32:31.538-08:00Paul—I knew, way back then, that there was no way ...Paul—I knew, way back then, that there was no way I would tackle that early version. Gives me a headache just to think about it. Notice that I waited until they got both the lens and the optic simplified for the...well, dummy crowd. I probably stand a chance now.Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-20226385910688869292011-12-01T15:30:03.048-08:002011-12-01T15:30:03.048-08:00Just be thankful that you don&#39;t have the origi...Just be thankful that you don&#39;t have the original version that you had to bend and stretch with one hand all the while trying to get the super elusive sweet spot. :) It takes lots of practice and patience. Hang in there; I&#39;m sure that you&#39;ll make that baby sing ... eventually. LOLPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00794079257866559509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-53546989337627943332011-12-01T13:47:26.311-08:002011-12-01T13:47:26.311-08:00Roberta—I will send you my email address right awa...Roberta—I will send you my email address right away.<br /><br />Meanwhile, about my optic: The Sweet 35 has an aperture adjustment ring built in, so I don&#39;t have the aperture rings. My system consists of only two pieces: the Composer Pro and the Sweet 35 optic. And, you are so right about the best starting point. In the very beginning, I was struggling with 2.8 and even 2.5. Not a good plan. Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-81435499414366630702011-12-01T09:58:52.568-08:002011-12-01T09:58:52.568-08:00I need to add your email address to my address. I ...I need to add your email address to my address. I went to email a reply but don&#39;t have your address. Oh well...<br /><br />When you got your lens did you get some extra bits with it? Like the aperture disks you would use without the optic kit? And did you get a little plastic do-dad that holds the little optic? It would be 2&quot; across with a black base - on the bottom of which says &quot;Robertahttp://www.robertamurray.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-76911340274884397632011-11-30T15:36:36.271-08:002011-11-30T15:36:36.271-08:00Ove—Thank you for some interesting observations an...Ove—Thank you for some interesting observations and welcome validation. It is good to know that the 35 was likely the better choice for me. I have found the sweet spot at f/5.6 a number of times and may end up mostly there. But, in a pinch, I probably would opt for the safer bet of f/8. <br /><br />How did you know that I had already found myself wondering about the soft focus optic? We shall Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-42131206572939011822011-11-30T14:24:31.132-08:002011-11-30T14:24:31.132-08:00It&#39;s a tricky lens, and you definitely benefit...It&#39;s a tricky lens, and you definitely benefit from a large and bright viewfinder as I&#39;m spoiled with.<br /><br />I believe you got good advise here, to go with f/8 until you get a grip.<br /><br />If you dont get that grip, get the soft focus optic. With that, it really doesn&#39;t matter if you nail the focus. :-)<br /><br />(Regarding Robertas comment, I would believe you have the bestOvehttp://www.ovepove.senoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-61424644076061118742011-11-29T16:48:26.917-08:002011-11-29T16:48:26.917-08:00John—I was torn when I placed my order. Ultimately...John—I was torn when I placed my order. Ultimately, my hesitation about dealing with the aperature rings tipped the scales. Personally, I think the Sweet 35 is a good way to begin. <br /><br />For your style, I think you are wise to save pennies for that tilt-shift lens. The rental tryout period sounds ideal. Of course, then, you might feel compelled to buy the lens. Proceed with caution.Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-16356928002724413592011-11-29T09:47:46.381-08:002011-11-29T09:47:46.381-08:00Anita,
Yes - it&#39;s the double-glass optic. I&...Anita,<br /><br />Yes - it&#39;s the double-glass optic. I&#39;ve been thinking about upgrading to the new system and using the Sweet 35 but I&#39;m just not sure I love it enough to spend any more on the system. Instead, I keep eyeing the true tilt-shift lenses from Nikon, which are, for the next year or so, completely out of reach for me. (Maybe as a rental...).Johnhttp://jstrongphotos.com/VSBlognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-85596482583049598452011-11-29T08:09:58.913-08:002011-11-29T08:09:58.913-08:00Anil—If I had tried with one of the earlier lens, ...Anil—If I had tried with one of the earlier lens, I suspect I would have thrown up my hands in surrender almost immediately. This new one seems as though it should be easier and it is still a challenge for me. <br /><br />Thanks for letting me know that you didn&#39;t breeze through that learning curve. Misery does love company. I can vouch for the fact that you make beautiful photographs with Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-73495686893260218442011-11-28T23:02:03.761-08:002011-11-28T23:02:03.761-08:00Your &quot;experimentation&quot; stage with the Le...Your &quot;experimentation&quot; stage with the LensBaby has produced some nice results! I had a hard time for many days after getting mine, trying to figure out how to really use it properly. Steep learning curve it was! Once I did get the hang of it, I did have a lot of fun. I tend to not use it much now, and prefer the shallow focus and the creamy bokeh of the Nikkor 50/1.2 manual focus that IAnilhttp://newber.com/anil/journal/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-76150556676576104582011-11-28T21:16:35.959-08:002011-11-28T21:16:35.959-08:00John—Thanks for the valicdation. I just learned ab...John—Thanks for the valicdation. I just learned about the advantages of the larger sweet spot on Sunday and now I have your experience to vouch for the accuracy of that theory. In my few experiments, I certainly found that to be an improvement. It also is interesting to hear that sometimes you love and sometimes you don&#39;t. Are you using the double glass optic? I am determined now to find Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-73300227989898806782011-11-28T21:01:15.362-08:002011-11-28T21:01:15.362-08:00Anita,
I&#39;ve been using a Lensbaby 2.0 off and...Anita,<br /><br />I&#39;ve been using a Lensbaby 2.0 off and on for a few years now and sometimes I love it, sometimes, not so much. As a matter of fact, my next post (later this week...I just posted tonight) is going to feature a lensbaby shot. <br /><br />Maybe you need to shoot with a smaller aperture, say f/8 or so. That gives you a larger sweet spot than a larger aperture. At any rate, IJohnhttp://jstrongphotos.com/VSBlognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-2679839465127427752011-11-28T07:23:53.969-08:002011-11-28T07:23:53.969-08:00Munchow—Thank you for adding your thoughts. You ar...Munchow—Thank you for adding your thoughts. You are right. It will mean even more because I will have struggled past the obstacle and not ducked a challenge. There is a great deal to learn about this system and I do love learning. I think that this lens will ultimately fit nicely into my way of presenting what I see.Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-58696200828238776192011-11-28T07:17:17.394-08:002011-11-28T07:17:17.394-08:00Roberta—“Can you use your Lensbaby without the Swe...Roberta—“Can you use your Lensbaby without the Sweet 35 optic?” I haven,t yet learned the answer to that. It and never occurred to me. Thanks for the question. <br /><br />I appreciate all your input, not only about these early efforts, but especially mentioning that you usually have a camera with a Lensbaby mounted. Yesterday I was ill and spent what energy I had experimenting. I am very much Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-57337483210469386752011-11-28T07:08:41.064-08:002011-11-28T07:08:41.064-08:00Ken—Without the advantages of digital and that sim...Ken—Without the advantages of digital and that simple delete button, I probably would have given up on about day three. Finally, I am learning to find that sweet spot thanks to some tips I have discovered. <br /><br />Thanks a million for the encouragement. It gives me a extra push.Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-90654002835993821412011-11-28T07:04:58.491-08:002011-11-28T07:04:58.491-08:00Earl—My husband got a terrific kick out of your co...Earl—My husband got a terrific kick out of your comment. The secret to this arrangement is that I became so obsessive about photography I couldn&#39;t think about many things other women might considerate appropriate gifts for those occasions. Each year, I always seem to want another lens, or camera, or computer. After stating that as my choice, I haven&#39;t the nerve to ask for anything else!<Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-10248313734092361682011-11-28T06:54:54.748-08:002011-11-28T06:54:54.748-08:00Colin—You are quite right , of course. I knew goin...Colin—You are quite right , of course. I knew going into this that there was a rather distinct learning curve for this lens. I just have to continue plugging away at it. Thank you for your helpful comments.Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-79811504587928460432011-11-27T13:43:19.074-08:002011-11-27T13:43:19.074-08:00I have never tried any of the Lens Babies myself, ...I have never tried any of the Lens Babies myself, but have always liked the result. It&#39;s probably quite a challenge for most who start out playing with them. I think you have managed well. I like both the close up of the roses and the portrait of the dog. Both uses the special quality of the Lens Baby to its best. And don&#39;t be discouraged by the struggle. It wouldn&#39;t be any fun if it munchowhttp://munchow.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-51294395799045231662011-11-27T10:08:57.099-08:002011-11-27T10:08:57.099-08:00Can you use your Lensbaby without the Sweet 35 opt...Can you use your Lensbaby without the Sweet 35 optic? If so, do that for the first while so you can get used to the lens before adding in the optic adaptation. Once you are comfortable and happy with your results using the lens, you&#39;ll be that much more comfortable with the nuances of the optics. <br /><br />Or just keep practicing. The shot of Galen is good. I would probably like the roses Robertahttp://www.robertamurray.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-40967815111174399332011-11-26T19:13:37.957-08:002011-11-26T19:13:37.957-08:00I can understand your frustration with the Lens Ba...I can understand your frustration with the Lens Baby. I have seen some pretty bad photos taken with them but also some great ones too. Like anything else, it will take some practice and getting used to before you feel comfortable with it, but the results are worth the effort. I really like the photo of Galen, you nailed the sweet spot perfectly.ken bellohttp://oneowner.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-62432430056403969732011-11-26T17:26:25.266-08:002011-11-26T17:26:25.266-08:00First, I am in awe of your husband working out thi...First, I am in awe of your husband working out this combo gift idea. I&#39;d appreciate any info he has on how he &quot;sold you&quot; on this idea...one gift, three occasions! :-)<br /><br />I&#39;ve been tempted by the LensBaby&#39;s but have never taken the plunge. I do especially like the photo of Galen here. Maybe, you&#39;ll be the one to &quot;push me&quot; over the edge to try one.Earlhttp://meanderingpassage.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-39465767373395633952011-11-26T09:24:14.435-08:002011-11-26T09:24:14.435-08:00It&#39;s probably going to require some perseveran...It&#39;s probably going to require some perseverance for you to feel comfortable with the lens, to be able to use it without having to think &quot;now how do I use it&quot; and to realise what subject matter both you and it together feel most comfortable with. You have done such a good job at mastering your textured images (if that&#39;s the right term) and they couldn&#39;t have been easy in theColin Griffithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868005278180471114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018576996941070707.post-77381102349268850682011-11-26T08:13:40.233-08:002011-11-26T08:13:40.233-08:00Steve—Thanks for the encouragement. Finally, I am ...Steve—Thanks for the encouragement. Finally, I am more inclined to think that I will discover the right way for me to use this lens. Like you, I am drawn to the dreamlike quality it offers. That look really appeals to me—after all, my world is often out of focus! ;-) When this next art show is done, I can spend some time with the lens.Anita Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671820780634003286noreply@blogger.com